Variable ND Exposure Control for Brightness-Shifting Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses struggle to maintain consistent exposure conditions when brightness changes during video imaging, especially when using a transmittance control element like a variable ND filter, as its movable range is limited, leading to inadequate exposure control or deviation from user-set conditions.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that estimates exposure change amounts based on photometry, calculates a first exposure condition range, and adjusts exposure control settings to ensure the range falls within the applicable control range of the transmittance control element, using a processor to set predetermined values based on scene information and historical exposure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exposure control is performed using a transmittance control element with limited movable range, then exposure adjustment is achieved, but exposure conditions cannot be maintained when brightness changes exceed the control range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the exposure control system adaptive through continuous estimation of exposure change amounts and dynamic adjustment of control ranges. The processor estimates exposure changes based on photometry and scene information, then dynamically determines whether the transmittance control element can maintain exposure conditions, switching control strategies when limits are approached.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring photometry data, estimating exposure change amounts, and comparing these against the transmittance control element's movable range. The system uses historical exposure fluctuation data and scene information to adjust control parameters in real-time, ensuring exposure conditions are maintained within achievable limits.
2Ease of operation
If the transmittance control element operates at its movable range limits, then maximum exposure control capability is achieved, but exposure conditions deviate from user-set targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by estimating the exposure change amount before actual exposure control is executed. The processor calculates the first exposure condition range by adding a predetermined value to the estimated exposure change amount, then determines in advance whether this range falls within the transmittance control element's applicable control range, allowing preventive adjustment of control strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by adjusting the predetermined value based on scene information and historical exposure fluctuation data. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between control capability and accuracy for different imaging conditions, ensuring user-set exposure conditions are maintained as closely as possible.
3Adaptability or versatility
If exposure control range is expanded to cover all brightness changes, then adaptability to varying scenes is improved, but control precision within the range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining whether the first exposure condition range falls within the second exposure condition range (applicable control range) on a per-scene basis. Instead of using a fixed control range for all conditions, the system adapts its control strategy to local conditions, maintaining high precision when the transmittance control element can adequately respond and expanding adaptability when scene conditions require broader coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an imaging apparatus capable of continuously imaging a natural video even though brightness is changed. In an imaging apparatus in which an exposure condition is set based on a characteristic of a transmittance control element, a first exposure condition range is calculated based on photometry of the imaging apparatus. Determination is made whether or not the calculated first exposure condition range is included in a second exposure condition range where a control range acquired by the transmittance control element is applicable. In a case where the calculated first exposure condition range is not included in the second exposure condition range, the exposure condition of the imaging apparatus is changed such that the first exposure condition range is included in the second exposure condition range.